Janmashtami (India)
Janmashtami (India)
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Janmashtami is a really popular festival in India which basically marks the birth of Lord Krishna . The dates of the festival are decided according to the Hindu Lunisolar Calender , which is on the eighth day of ashtami, which is in the month of shraavana (according to the Hindu calendar). Being an important festival of a particular tradition in Hinduism many enactments, devotional singing and dance drama based on the life of Krishna through the midnight marks the birth of Krishna according to the Hindu holy books such as Bhagvat Gita . Janmashtami is mainly celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan. Janmashtami is followed by a festival named Nandotsav(Nanda Baba distributed gifts to celebrate the birth of Krishna) . An interesting fact about Janmashtami is that to save Krishna , Vasudeva (the father of Krishna) was advised to take him to his friend , Nanda who lived in Vrindavan . Despite heavy rainfall and thunderstorm, Vasudeva was so determined that he kept Krishna on his head and kept walking,. Sheshnag (the snake god) also quietly rose from behind and covered Krishna to protect his lord from rain .
Janmashtami is a really popular festival in India which basically marks the birth of Lord Krishna . The dates of the festival are decided according to the Hindu Lunisolar Calender , which is on the eighth day of ashtami, which is in the month of shraavana (according to the Hindu calendar). Being an important festival of a particular tradition in Hinduism many enactments, devotional singing and dance drama based on the life of Krishna through the midnight marks the birth of Krishna according to the Hindu holy books such as Bhagvat Gita . Janmashtami is mainly celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan. Janmashtami is followed by a festival named Nandotsav(Nanda Baba distributed gifts to celebrate the birth of Krishna) . An interesting fact about Janmashtami is that to save Krishna , Vasudeva (the father of Krishna) was advised to take him to his friend , Nanda who lived in Vrindavan . Despite heavy rainfall and thunderstorm, Vasudeva was so determined that he kept Krishna on his head and kept walking,. Sheshnag (the snake god) also quietly rose from behind and covered Krishna to protect his lord from rain .
-Manav Rajput (SMSMB)
Ginim Narang (SMSMB)
-Pratham Gupta (SMSMB)
Pongal (India)
Pongal (India)
The Pongal festival is a four- day festival and is celebrated by Tamils, in mid-January. It is basically a thanksgiving for the year's harvest.
The Pongal festival is a four- day festival and is celebrated by Tamils, in mid-January. It is basically a thanksgiving for the year's harvest.
FIRST DAY
FIRST DAY
This day is dedicated to Lord Indra the great ruler of clouds, who gives rain. Homage is paid to Lord Indra for the abundance of harvest. Bhogi Mantalu is also observed. It is a ritual in which useless household articles are thrown into a fire made by wood and cow dung cakes. The significance of the bonfire is to keep the winter days warm.
This day is dedicated to Lord Indra the great ruler of clouds, who gives rain. Homage is paid to Lord Indra for the abundance of harvest. Bhogi Mantalu is also observed. It is a ritual in which useless household articles are thrown into a fire made by wood and cow dung cakes. The significance of the bonfire is to keep the winter days warm.
SECOND DAY
SECOND DAY
People worship the Sun god and offer rice boiled in milk. They wear traditional dresses. Kolams, which are designs made on floor with white lime powder, are made in front of the houses.
People worship the Sun god and offer rice boiled in milk. They wear traditional dresses. Kolams, which are designs made on floor with white lime powder, are made in front of the houses.
THIRD DAY
THIRD DAY
This day is dedicated to cattle as they worked in the fields which resulted in abundance of harvest. They are decorated and are worshipped. They are also fed with Pongal (dish). Racing of cattle is also done.
This day is dedicated to cattle as they worked in the fields which resulted in abundance of harvest. They are decorated and are worshipped. They are also fed with Pongal (dish). Racing of cattle is also done.
FOURTH DAY
FOURTH DAY
On this day, turmeric leaf is washed and is placed on the ground. On this leaf, sweet Pongal, ordinary and colored rice and sugarcane is placed. All the women of the house perform a ritual in which their brothers give gifts. Atari is performed for the brothers with turmeric water, limestone and rice. This water is sprinkled on the Kolam.
On this day, turmeric leaf is washed and is placed on the ground. On this leaf, sweet Pongal, ordinary and colored rice and sugarcane is placed. All the women of the house perform a ritual in which their brothers give gifts. Atari is performed for the brothers with turmeric water, limestone and rice. This water is sprinkled on the Kolam.
-Khushleen K. (SMSMB)
-Ananya Sharma (SMSMB)
Karvachauth (India)
Karvachauth (India)
Karvachauth is a one - day festival celebrated by Hindu women four days after Purnima (full moon) in the month of Kartika. Dates differ according to Gregorian calendar . Karvachauth, like many other Hindu festivals, is based on the Lunisolar calendar which accounts for all astronomical positions, especially position of the moon which is used as a marker to calculate important dates. On Karvachauth, married women especially in Northern India, observe fast from sunrise to moonrise ,for the safety and longevity of their husbands. The Karvachauth fast is traditionally celebrated in the states of Rajasthan,Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and as Atla Tadde in Andhra Pradesh. Also, sometimes unmarried women join the fast for their fiancés. Women dress up beautifully to celebrate the festival. In the evening, after looking at the moon , they break their fast.
Karvachauth is a one - day festival celebrated by Hindu women four days after Purnima (full moon) in the month of Kartika. Dates differ according to Gregorian calendar . Karvachauth, like many other Hindu festivals, is based on the Lunisolar calendar which accounts for all astronomical positions, especially position of the moon which is used as a marker to calculate important dates. On Karvachauth, married women especially in Northern India, observe fast from sunrise to moonrise ,for the safety and longevity of their husbands. The Karvachauth fast is traditionally celebrated in the states of Rajasthan,Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and as Atla Tadde in Andhra Pradesh. Also, sometimes unmarried women join the fast for their fiancés. Women dress up beautifully to celebrate the festival. In the evening, after looking at the moon , they break their fast.
-Raghav G. (SMSMB)
-Bhumi S. (SMSMB)
-Ananya Sharma (SMSMB)
Hanukkah (Jerusalem)
Hanukkah (Jerusalem)
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival observed for eight nights . Last year it started on 2nd December and ended on 10th of December. It marks the success of revolt by the Maccabees against Antiochus Epiphanes. People celebrate this occasion by lighting candles each night. They light candles on a candelabrum with nine branches called a Menorah. They also sing special songs such as Maoz Tzur and recite the Hallel Prayer. They eat food fried in oil such as latcakes and dairy food. They also play a game called dreidel and give Hanukkah gelt.
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival observed for eight nights . Last year it started on 2nd December and ended on 10th of December. It marks the success of revolt by the Maccabees against Antiochus Epiphanes. People celebrate this occasion by lighting candles each night. They light candles on a candelabrum with nine branches called a Menorah. They also sing special songs such as Maoz Tzur and recite the Hallel Prayer. They eat food fried in oil such as latcakes and dairy food. They also play a game called dreidel and give Hanukkah gelt.
-Udit K. (SMSMB)
-Ananya Sharma (SMSMB)
Baisakhi (India)
Baisakhi (India)
Baisakhi is a very famous Sikh festival. It is also known as Vaisakhi. It is celebrated on 13th or 14th April every year. It is basically a Sikh festival that marks the New Year for the Sikh community. Not only does it mark the beginning of the New Year for them but it is also the time to celebrate the harvesting of crops. It is also a way of honouring Khalsa Panth. Baisakhi is also known by different names in different Indian states like: Rongali Bihu in Assam, Vishuva Sankranti in Odisha, Boishakh or Naba Barsha in West Bengal and Tripura .
Baisakhi is a very famous Sikh festival. It is also known as Vaisakhi. It is celebrated on 13th or 14th April every year. It is basically a Sikh festival that marks the New Year for the Sikh community. Not only does it mark the beginning of the New Year for them but it is also the time to celebrate the harvesting of crops. It is also a way of honouring Khalsa Panth. Baisakhi is also known by different names in different Indian states like: Rongali Bihu in Assam, Vishuva Sankranti in Odisha, Boishakh or Naba Barsha in West Bengal and Tripura .
-Subhaav S. (SMSMB)
-Ananya Sharma (SMSMB)
Guru Nanak Jayanti (India)
Guru Nanak Jayanti (India)
Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals of Sikhism. It is the birth date of the first Sikh guru and founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. He was born on 15 April 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, which is now known as Nankana Sahib. On this day the people who follow Guru Nanak Ji i.e. the messengers of Guru Nanak Ji,spread his messages.The hymns are followed by Kathas and Kirtans in the praise of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Langar is also organised in every Gurudwara. The main idea behind hosting Langar is that everyone rich or poor, despite their caste or religion can eat together. On this day ,the Gurudwaras are decorated very beautifully.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals of Sikhism. It is the birth date of the first Sikh guru and founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. He was born on 15 April 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, which is now known as Nankana Sahib. On this day the people who follow Guru Nanak Ji i.e. the messengers of Guru Nanak Ji,spread his messages.The hymns are followed by Kathas and Kirtans in the praise of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Langar is also organised in every Gurudwara. The main idea behind hosting Langar is that everyone rich or poor, despite their caste or religion can eat together. On this day ,the Gurudwaras are decorated very beautifully.
-Subhaav S. (SMSMB)
-JCD STEM School
Diwali (India)
Diwali (India)
It is also a very famous Hindu festival. It is also known as ' The Festival of Lights'. On this day, people decorate their houses by lighting diyas and placing them in each corner of their houses. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon Ravana. In many parts of India, Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days. On this day, people light up their houses to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. People also go to their friends' house or relatives' house and exchange sweets and gifts. This is a very beautiful festival.
It is also a very famous Hindu festival. It is also known as ' The Festival of Lights'. On this day, people decorate their houses by lighting diyas and placing them in each corner of their houses. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon Ravana. In many parts of India, Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days. On this day, people light up their houses to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. People also go to their friends' house or relatives' house and exchange sweets and gifts. This is a very beautiful festival.
-Subhaav S. (SMSMB)
Made by Prisha M. (JCD STEM)
Created with the app Shapego
Created with the app Shapego
-Sabrina G. (JCD STEM)
-Ananya Sharma (SMSMB)
Ganesh Chaturthi (India)
Ganesh Chaturthi (India)
It is a very famous Hindu festival. Is is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi. It is a ten-day festival. It starts on the fourth day of Hindu Lunisolar calendar month Bhadrapada, which typically falls in the months of August or September of the Gregorian calendar. It celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha.
It is a very famous Hindu festival. Is is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi. It is a ten-day festival. It starts on the fourth day of Hindu Lunisolar calendar month Bhadrapada, which typically falls in the months of August or September of the Gregorian calendar. It celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha.
-Subhaav S. (SMSMB)
-Ananya Sharma (SMSMB)
Boxing Day
Boxing Day
Boxing day is celebrated the day after Christmas i.e. on 26th December. It is mostly celebrated in those countries which were an earlier part of the British empire. This day has nothing to do with the sport boxing, the trashing of empty boxes left over from Christmas or the return of unwanted presents to department stores is what all happens on this day. Boxing Day is spent with friends and family at open gathering. We can also say that Boxing Day is a national Bank Holiday, a day to spend with family and friends and to eat up all the leftovers of the Christmas Day.
Boxing day is celebrated the day after Christmas i.e. on 26th December. It is mostly celebrated in those countries which were an earlier part of the British empire. This day has nothing to do with the sport boxing, the trashing of empty boxes left over from Christmas or the return of unwanted presents to department stores is what all happens on this day. Boxing Day is spent with friends and family at open gathering. We can also say that Boxing Day is a national Bank Holiday, a day to spend with family and friends and to eat up all the leftovers of the Christmas Day.
-Subhaav S. (SMSMB)
Dusshera
Dusshera
Dusshera also known as Vijayadashmi is an important Hindu festival. It is celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. It is one of the religious and cultural festivals of the Hindus. This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Dusshera marks the end of Durga Puja and Ramlila . On this day, everyone remembers Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura and God Rama's victory over Ravana. People celebrate this festival with a lot of enthusiasm. They carry clay statues of various goddesses including Goddess Durga. After this, the idols are immersed into the water.People also burn effigies of Ravana with fireworks to mark the destruction of evil.
-Niyati M. (SMSMB)
-Ananya Sharma (SMSMB)
-Bhumi Sinha and Khushi Mishra (SMSMB)
-Ginim N. (SMSMB)
Durga Puja (India)
Durga Puja (India)
'Jai Maa Durga', the words that you could hear everywhere in the country during the holy days of Durga Puja. This nine days long festival is performed very nicely in cultural and traditional way at many places in India. It is one of the joyous occasions especially for the students as they take some relief from their hectic life because of holidays. It brings a happy festive atmosphere all over the country. People go to the temple or worship goddess Durga at home with full devotion. Devotees worship goddess Durga for their well - being and prosperous life. The real meaning of Navaratri is the nine days and nights of battle between the goddess and the devil. Durga Puja fair attracts a huge crowd of devotees and visitors including foreign tourists at one place.
'Jai Maa Durga', the words that you could hear everywhere in the country during the holy days of Durga Puja. This nine days long festival is performed very nicely in cultural and traditional way at many places in India. It is one of the joyous occasions especially for the students as they take some relief from their hectic life because of holidays. It brings a happy festive atmosphere all over the country. People go to the temple or worship goddess Durga at home with full devotion. Devotees worship goddess Durga for their well - being and prosperous life. The real meaning of Navaratri is the nine days and nights of battle between the goddess and the devil. Durga Puja fair attracts a huge crowd of devotees and visitors including foreign tourists at one place.
-Bhumi S. (SMSMB)
-Bhumi Sinha (SMSMB)
Cinco de Mayo (Mexico)
Cinco de Mayo (Mexico)
Celebrated on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo is a festival to celebrate Mexico's victory over France at the battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican war. The celebration usually occurs at the city of Puebla where the war was. People in Puebla have a parade in which participants dress as Mexican and French Soldiers. Some people also make a reenactment of the battle of Puebla. Usually people decorate places with the colors of the Mexican flag red, white, and green. People often listen to mariachi or Mexican folk music.
Celebrated on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo is a festival to celebrate Mexico's victory over France at the battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican war. The celebration usually occurs at the city of Puebla where the war was. People in Puebla have a parade in which participants dress as Mexican and French Soldiers. Some people also make a reenactment of the battle of Puebla. Usually people decorate places with the colors of the Mexican flag red, white, and green. People often listen to mariachi or Mexican folk music.
-Emmanuel H. (JCD STEM)
-Ananya S. (SMSMB)
Onam (India)
Onam (India)
Onam is a Hindu festival. It is celebrated annually all over India . It originated in the state of Kerala. This beautiful festival marks the end of monsoon and welcomes the harvest season. It is celebrated for ten days during the Malyalam month of Chingam which fills people's heart with gaiety. This is a colourful festival and it brings people together . It reflects the unique culture of Kerala . A large variety of food is made on this day . There are a number of boat races. For these races, the boats are decorated beautifully and people race in groups . Beautiful floral rangolis are made using natural flower petals. There are many traditional dances and cultural programmes that are held on this festival . This colorful and beautiful festival is the biggest celebration in Kerala.
Onam is a Hindu festival. It is celebrated annually all over India . It originated in the state of Kerala. This beautiful festival marks the end of monsoon and welcomes the harvest season. It is celebrated for ten days during the Malyalam month of Chingam which fills people's heart with gaiety. This is a colourful festival and it brings people together . It reflects the unique culture of Kerala . A large variety of food is made on this day . There are a number of boat races. For these races, the boats are decorated beautifully and people race in groups . Beautiful floral rangolis are made using natural flower petals. There are many traditional dances and cultural programmes that are held on this festival . This colorful and beautiful festival is the biggest celebration in Kerala.
-Sampreeti R. (SMSMB)
Gion Matsui (Japan)
Gion Matsui (Japan)
Gion Matsui is a festival in Kyoto a city in Japan. Almost all of Japan celebrates this festival. Gion Matsui is the festival of Yasaka Shrine, it is the most famous festival in Japan. The Gion Matsui festival is celebrated by people pulling 12-ton huge floats down the streets of Gion Matsui, some tourists can even hop on the moving floats down the streets. The people who make these make the huge floats by hand. This festival is celebrated all through July but the floats are only on the 17th of July. Some other activities are through July 10th & July 14th the people can watch the floats being made. They celebrate this festival because it celebrates the day when the Yasaka Shrine was made, which was over 1350 years ago!
Gion Matsui is a festival in Kyoto a city in Japan. Almost all of Japan celebrates this festival. Gion Matsui is the festival of Yasaka Shrine, it is the most famous festival in Japan. The Gion Matsui festival is celebrated by people pulling 12-ton huge floats down the streets of Gion Matsui, some tourists can even hop on the moving floats down the streets. The people who make these make the huge floats by hand. This festival is celebrated all through July but the floats are only on the 17th of July. Some other activities are through July 10th & July 14th the people can watch the floats being made. They celebrate this festival because it celebrates the day when the Yasaka Shrine was made, which was over 1350 years ago!
-Jakob S. (JCD STEM)
Maha Shivratri (India)
Maha Shivratri (India)
Maha Shivratri or 'The night of the Lord Shiva' is the festival in which people observe fast and offer bael leaves to the deity. The festival is celebrated with a lot of spirituality and ardour by the people. People after taking bath, visit temples and a ritual bath consisting of honey ,milk, water etc. is given to the Shiva linga. People do not sleep the whole night and jagrans are conducted. The fast is broken the next day by eating the 'prasad'. It is believed that we have started celebrating Shivratri after Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife closed the deity's eyes to have some fun and the whole world was sent to darkness. So,in order to correct her deed she kept a fast. This is how Shivratri came to existence.
Maha Shivratri or 'The night of the Lord Shiva' is the festival in which people observe fast and offer bael leaves to the deity. The festival is celebrated with a lot of spirituality and ardour by the people. People after taking bath, visit temples and a ritual bath consisting of honey ,milk, water etc. is given to the Shiva linga. People do not sleep the whole night and jagrans are conducted. The fast is broken the next day by eating the 'prasad'. It is believed that we have started celebrating Shivratri after Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife closed the deity's eyes to have some fun and the whole world was sent to darkness. So,in order to correct her deed she kept a fast. This is how Shivratri came to existence.
-Ishita S. (SMSMB)
-Pratham G. (SMSMB)
Holi (India)
Holi (India)
Holi is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in all parts of India. This festival is known as the 'Festival of colors ' as people apply color (gulal) on each other's face as well as play with water making each other wet. Besides this, the festival is also called 'The festival of love' as on this day people unite forgetting all the bad feelings for each other. This great festival lasts for one day and night.The vibrant colors bring a lot of positivity in our lives. Holi is a festival to mark the success of good over evil. On this day, Lord Krishna killed a demon Holika. Therefore, Choti Holi is celebrated with Holika Dahan. People are happy on this day and share their joy with everyone.
Holi is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in all parts of India. This festival is known as the 'Festival of colors ' as people apply color (gulal) on each other's face as well as play with water making each other wet. Besides this, the festival is also called 'The festival of love' as on this day people unite forgetting all the bad feelings for each other. This great festival lasts for one day and night.The vibrant colors bring a lot of positivity in our lives. Holi is a festival to mark the success of good over evil. On this day, Lord Krishna killed a demon Holika. Therefore, Choti Holi is celebrated with Holika Dahan. People are happy on this day and share their joy with everyone.
-Sampreeti R. (SMSMB)
-Sampreeti R. (SMSMB)
-Pratham G., Ananya S., and G. Krithika (SMSMB)
Traditional Festivals of Afghanistan
Traditional Festivals of Afghanistan
Afghans are enthusiastic about their national celebrations. Afghanistan holidays are observed with zeal, and people are devoted to religious events. Nau Roz, or the New Year, is the best known and most joyous time in the country, along with the Independence Day celebration.
Afghans are enthusiastic about their national celebrations. Afghanistan holidays are observed with zeal, and people are devoted to religious events. Nau Roz, or the New Year, is the best known and most joyous time in the country, along with the Independence Day celebration.
Mrs. Latifah (Somaiya's mother)
Mrs. Latifah (Somaiya's mother)
Nowruz
Nowruz
Held between January and March (whichever date the New Year falls according to the Islamic calendar), Nau Roz is the most popular of all the festivals in Afghanistan. Farmers express gratitude and joy for abundant produce and people celebrate with music and dance. It is also during the Nau Roz or New Year festival that buzkashi matches or tournaments are held. In Nowruz people pick up a seven seater table.
Held between January and March (whichever date the New Year falls according to the Islamic calendar), Nau Roz is the most popular of all the festivals in Afghanistan. Farmers express gratitude and joy for abundant produce and people celebrate with music and dance. It is also during the Nau Roz or New Year festival that buzkashi matches or tournaments are held. In Nowruz people pick up a seven seater table.
Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the most sacred traditions of the Islamic faith. It usually falls between the months of September and November each year, depending on the calendar. During the month-long observance, Afghans don’t eat or drink anything during the day and almost all restaurants and businesses are closed and people offer taravih prayer.
Ramadan is one of the most sacred traditions of the Islamic faith. It usually falls between the months of September and November each year, depending on the calendar. During the month-long observance, Afghans don’t eat or drink anything during the day and almost all restaurants and businesses are closed and people offer taravih prayer.
https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/middle-east/afghanistan/festivals-and-events
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